In this introductory paragraph, we learn that Billie Holiday, sometimes known as "Lady Day," was a major player in the 20th-century jazz and pop music sectors. Her distinctive singing style and heartfelt live shows, which frequently draw on her own experiences of hardship, have made her one of the most influential American musicians of all time.

Born Eleanora Fagan in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1915, Holiday had a troubled childhood marked by extreme poverty, parental abandonment, and run-ins with the authorities. Her troubled upbringing would eventually feed her soulful performances of laments for lost loves.

Holiday's path to fame began in the early 1930s, when she began performing in Harlem nightclubs. In 1933, she was found by legendary producer John Hammond, who catapulted her to stardom. By the late 1930s, Holiday had become an established presence on the New York Jazz scene, where her sound had become legendary.

Holiday's musical approach and signature songs were characterized by an intense level of introspection and emotion. She was able to connect deeply with her listeners because of the unique, aching quality of her voice. Some of her most famous songs, such as "God Bless the Child" and "Strange Fruit," demonstrate her talent for using music to convey strong feelings and difficult realities.

Holiday's impact and legacy are immense, as her singing style was among the most influential of the 20th century. Many musicians owe a debt to her for influencing the way they play jazz and pop standards. Her own experiences with addiction and racism were emblematic of broader difficulties in post-World War II America.